The BMW X5 M is an amazing mix of very high performance, luxurious accommodation and SUV practicality, but it doesn’t come cheap.
Pros Fabulous engine Superb handling Loads of technology
Cons Ageing looks Expensive to buy and run Not all the safety features are standard
The all-new 2020 BMW X5 M represents the third generation of the Bavarian automaker's sportiest X5 SUV. It's more powerful than the outgoing X5 M, with 33 horsepower more in standard trim and 50 extra horsepower in the Competition model. The rest of the changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Still, its resculpted sheetmetal, enhanced interior, and modernized technology help make the latest X5 M better than ever.
Pros Massive power, stunning acceleration, high-end interior appointments.
Cons Six-figure base price, stiff ride, complicated drive-mode system.
The 2020 BMW X5 M comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.600 horsepower in standard trim and 617 hp with the Competition package.All-wheel-drive system tuned for maximum handling performance.Unique interior and exterior styling touches.
Pros Massive power from both twin-turbo V8 engines Rapid acceleration at any speed Impressive handling for such a big vehicle Includes modern refinements found in the standard X5
Cons Stiff and sometimes unyielding ride Small mirrors and thick roof pillars create large blind spots Not a lot of interior storage
Ballistic-resistant SUV offers protection against 'violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime. BMW has revealed the new X5 Protection VR6, an armoured version of its popular luxury SUV. According to the Bavarian marque, the X5 Protection VR6 "offers private individuals and persons at risk customised protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime".Power in the X5 Protection VR6 comes from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine borrowed from the xDrive50i variant. Maximum power is rated at 390kW between 5500 and 6000rpm, while a peak torque figure of 750Nm is on tap between 1800rpm and 4600rpm.
The X5 Protection VR6, named in reference to its certified protection rating, is almost indistinguishable from the standard X5, but is clad all over in high-strength steel armour plating, which overlaps at each panel and trim gap to maximise coverage. Underneath, a thick aluminium splinter shield protects the powertrain and floor from explosive devices such as hand grenades, while the standard X5’s windows have been replaced with 33mm thick, polycarbonate-reinforced glass. The glazing features what BMW calls ‘post-blast protective technology’, which offers protection against secondary attacks in the wake of an explosion. Only the driver’s window is electric as standard, although an electric passenger window is an option.
We know what you want out of your luxury crossover. You want comfort. You want performance. You want protection against anti-infantry hand grenades. Well, BMW has the ride for you! Although it looks like the standard model, the new X5 Protection VR6's armor-plated bodywork protects against attacks by handguns and firearms, including AK-47s. The armored passenger compartment withstands blasts of up to 15 kilograms of TNT from a distance of 13 feet, and its Post Blast Protective Technology protects against secondary attacks; even following a blast, all windows remain firmly in position.The vehicle is fitted with high-strength steel panels in the doors, side frames, roof, and firewall. Overlapping armor plating within the door gaps and bodywork joints prevent penetration by bullets or fragments. Oh, and your suitcases will be safe as well, thanks to aluminum pieces guarding the underbody and luggage compartment.
